Fantasy Football Focus: Week 9: Bye Week Replacements

***Opening rant with New York Nick***

Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins 

What happened? That should be the first question in your thought process while you watch any Redskins football game. What happen to the offensive line? What happen to the run game? What happen to the confidence of the rookie sensation RGIII? In most of our drafts he was a top 5 pick overall, but suddenly it seems as though him and Tony Romo have been drinking out of the same Gatorade cooler.  Last week against the Broncos, he threw for 132 yards with 2 interceptions, mind you that Chad Henne from the Jacksonville Death Squad had more fantasy points when they played Denver. Now you have to give a lot of the blame to his offensive line, each week we see him get slammed to the ground before he even gets a chance to break out of his knee brace (like Forrest Gump). I’m pleading with RGIII, and the Redskins organization, to please; PLEASE take the pink attire off his uniform. The way he keeps getting battered its beginning to look like domestic violence. ~ New York Nick

lol...but I digress...

Whats up football family?!? Welcome to week 9 of the fantasy football season! This week, the dreaded bye week is actin a fool...with Denver, Detroit, The Giants, Arizona, San Fransisco, and yes..the Death Squad Jags all out this week. No worries though, the Boys are back with that fantasy news you can use for week 9.

So LETS...GET...STARTED!!!

Jake Locker: QB, Tennessee

If you're down Kaepernick, Manning, or Stafford this week, then Titans qb Jake Locker is worth a flyer. Quiet as kept, Locker has a top ten qb rating, with 9 td's and only 1 turn over for the year. In his last outing, Jake threw for over 325 yards with a couple of td's against the 49ers. St. Louis, this week's opponent, is giving up just under 230 yards a game through the air, and will be selling out to stop the run. Locker should get his opportunities.

Kendal Wright: WR, Tennessee

For the reasons mentioned above, Kendall Wright, Locker's favorite target, is worth a flyer this week as well. Wright supplanted Kenny Britt as the starter opposite Nate Washington, and has additional upside in ppr leagues. His 40 catches for over 400 yards this season is impressive considering the fact that Tennessee has already played 5 top ten pass defenses their first seven games. The Locker / Wright combination could make for a good one week pairing against the Rams...who aren't a top ten defense at all.

***Big Mike's Match Ups***

Kenny Stills, WR, New Orleans

Rookie Saints wr Kenny Stills is drawing praise from head coach Sean Peyton, who stated that Stills "continues to really play well at a high level and at a consistent level". Even better if the head coach is also the play caller on offense. Stills has 193 yards and 3 tds the past two games. Drew Brees will throw on any and everybody, and the Jets gave up 4 tds to a slot receiver last week. Great match up.

Drew Davis: WR, Atlanta

Starting wr Roddy White has been out since Oct 7th, and has not practiced this week due to a myriad of injuries. Davis filled in nicely last week, putting up 5/77/1. Matt Ryan's turnovers hurt Davis' chances for more. Ryan won't throw 4 picks again this week, but will have to throw it a lot to beat the suddenly surging Panthers. Davis should get plenty of opportunities to better those numbers this week, even if a hobbled Roddy White plays.

***Goin Deep with DP***

Marvin Jones, WR, Cincinnati

I know what you're thinking...and no...I'm not suggesting that Jones will score 4 td's again this week. What I will say is that Jones is certainly no one week wonder, scoring 7 tds the past three weeks. He also scored in each of the last three games. To add to his value, fellow wr Mohamed Sanu will be a game time decision with an injury. The Dolphins are 20th against the pass, making Jones worthy of another start this week.

Tim Wright, WR/TE, Tampa Bay

What I like about Tim Wright is the fact that he is slotted (in most formats) as a te and wr, giving you roster flexibility if you feel your current te is too valuable to drop this week. He's also been productive, hauling in 19 receptions the past four games. He even threw in a td last week for good measure. The Buccaneers are a joke at qb right now, and Wright is evolving into a safety blanket. That equates to a safe pick up for you.

***Homer Alert***

Steven Jackson, RB, Atlanta

If you are all excited about Steven Jackson returning from injury, and plan to finally start him this week, then you...my friend...are on homer alert. Aside from the fact that Carolina has a stout front seven and brutal rush defense (fewest rushing yards allowed so far), did you see Jackson run last week? It looked like he was playing in quicksand. I know that he's never been known to be a burner...but my goodness...he looked like Shaun Alexander the year he hit "the wall". I hope it was just rust....but this week and Carolina is not the time nor place to take a chance that it improves.

Be sure to check out Big Mike's College Picks of the week this Saturday morning......

Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck!

follow @nic_torious @D_Padilla2 @MichaelJasso @plcolter

Fantasy Football Focus: Week 8: Injuries Injuries Injuries

***Opening rant with New York Nick***

As Halloween approaches, I’m stuck with deciding what scares me more. Michael Myers walking down a dark hallway as he stutter steps to the door on the left...just to violently break it down? No,he doesn't compare to what we all fear. Please allow me to introduce the most hated evil the fantasy world has ever known, the grim reaper himself, ladies and gentlemen; I give you, “injury”. Injury has now plagued us all. From the top rb picks of the draft, to the top wr picks of the draft, each week we sit more and more players. We hit the FA pool only to find left over’s from last year’s Thanksgiving feast, crammed in the back of the fridge with green stuff growing out the gravy. Yes, I’m referring to the likes of Brandon Jacobs and Willis McGhee. My solution isn't pretty and it probably won’t get the job done on a consistent basis, but it’s simple. Glue as many players you can find and hopefully create a monster that can get you through the rest of the month until the reaper passes you bye. ~ New York Nick

Whatup football family?!? Welcome to week 8 of the fantasy football season. New York Nick was dead on (no pun intended). Injuries are starting to take their toll on our respective teams. Players like Matt Forte, Arian Foster, Ray Rice, Chris Johnson, and Ryan Matthews being on bye doesn't help either. If you have multiple injury / bye week decisions to make, then you've come to the right place. The Boys are back with that news you can use for week 8.

So LETS...GET...STARTED!!!!

LeVeon Bell: RB, Pittsburgh

Bell got a late start to the 2013 season, but has quickly entrenched himself as the number one rb in the Steel City. Last week, Bell accounted for 99 total yards. That just happens to be the Raiders...this week's opponent...average yards allowed on the ground this year (99.1). You can reasonably expect similar numbers this week.

***Big Mike's Match Ups***

Harry Douglas: WR, Atlanta

Julio Jones? Out. Roddy White? Eh...might as well be. Enter...Harry Douglas. Last week Douglas put up 7 catches for 149 yards and a td in place of the injured starters. This week Douglas draws a Cardinals defense that's giving up over 250 yards through the air.

Joseph Fauria: TE, Detroit

Fauria, who's sitting on many waiver wires as we speak, has quietly amassed 5 td's already this season. He will get opportunities to increase that total this week against Dallas, and their 30th ranked pass defense. 

***Going Deep with DP***

Jordan Reed: WR, Washington

Reed lit up the Bears last week for 9/134/1. Starter Fred Davis stays hurt, and Reed's role is steadily increasing. This week Reed has an excellent match up against Denver and their dead last (no pun intended) pass defense. Washington is terrible on defense as well, and a shootout will certainly bode well for Reed again this week.

Mike James: RB, Tampa Bay

With starter Doug Martin lost for the season, back up Mike James filled in and combined for 53 total yards. His 14 carries were impressive, and he's set to get the start this week against Carolina. If you owned Marin, you need to pick up James...like right now.

***Homer Alert***

If you are down Philip Rivers or Jay Cutler, and was looking to replace them with Alex Smith, then you...my friend...are on homer alert. Yes, the Chiefs are undefeated, and the Browns aren't a household name. But please beware...the Browns have one of the pass defenses in the league, lead by arguably one of the best corners. Smith is solid, but a lil too safe for starter consideration this week. The Chiefs have a stout defense, so Smith may only have to hand the ball off, and move the chains only when necessary. And Smith is ok with that......which is not ok for us.

***Make sure you check out Big Mike's College Picks of the Week this Saturday morning***

Life is a sport, so always play to win! Good luck!

follow @nic_torious @MichaelJasso @D_Padilla2 @plcolter

A farewell to Bud Adams

Mr. Adams,

Our deepest condolences go out to your family, the Titans / Oilers organization, and to everyone that was affected by your passing.

Die hard Titans fans would like to thank you. Thank you...Mr. Adams...for taking a leap of faith when you picked lil ole country Nashville as the new home of your football franchise. Thank you sir, for being patient with us while you played in front of embarrassingly small crowds in Memphis and Vanderbilt Stadium. As an African American, I thank you for being a trailblazer...and for giving the Warren Moons, Steve McNairs, and Vince Youngs of the world an opportunity to play quarterback at the professional level. Black qb's weren't fashionable in those days.

Thank you...Mr. Adams...for the memories. The Music City Miracle, The Super Bowl appearance, the Sundays that were forever changed because locals finally had their own team to root for. Thank you Bud Adams.

Maybe you can start a new franchise in heaven...you already got your quarterback (Mac9).  GO TITANS!!! follow @plcolter

Fantasy Football Focus: Week 7: Bye Week Replacements

****Opening rant with New York Nick****

Let’s say you’re the rb for the Cleveland Browns, and last year you put up a solid rookie performance of 950 yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns. Some thought, wow, this kid is going to be a beast next year. And can you imagine what his stats would be if he was on a contending team with a real offensive line and a real quarterback?   *Pause*   Trent Richardson gets traded to the Colts and all of the fantasy owners rejoiced as though Bruce Willis actually blew up the deadly asteroid in the movie Armageddon. We get reports from the Colts organization that after just 3 days he is ready to run. In just 3 days he picked up most of the offense, and in just 3 days he will start putting up Adrian Peterson type numbers. I guess we all woke up sore after falling off the couch from that dream. Alabama, you have teased us before with your rb sensations, but this time you have gone too far.  ~ New York Nick

Whatup football family?!?! Welcome to week 7 of the fantasy football season. New Orleans and Oakland are off this week, leaving several starting roles to be filled. And injuries continue to reek havoc on our depth charts, so if you are in need of a replacement or two...you are definitely in the right place. The boys are back with the fantasy news you can use for week 7.

So LETS....GET....STARTED!!!!!

Nick Foles: QB, Philadelphia

Foles filled in for an injured Michael Vick last week (no one saw that coming), and made Tampa Bay look like they were still wearing those Sherbet Orange uniforms from back in the day. Foles put up 296 yards, 3 tds, and no int's, and is slated to start again this week against Dallas, who...by the way...are giving up over 300 yards a game through the air. Good for 30th in the league. Well...not so good.

Jarrett Boykin: WR, GB

Last week the Packers lost two of their top three receivers to injury. Randall Cobb broke his leg and will be out indefinitely. Boykin was thrown into the fire last week vs Baltimore, and struggled for the most part....save a 43 yard reception. This week Boykin will get the start, and will have a full week of practice under his belt. The Packers draw a surprisingly stingy Browns secondary, but don't be scared off. The Packers are a pass first team, and Boykin should get enough targets to earn a spot in your lineup this week.

****Going deep with DP****

Keenan Allen: WR, San Diego

Allen torched the Colts this past Monday night for 9/107/1. And he's no one week wonder. Over the past three weeks, Allen has hauled in 20 receptions for over 300 yards and 2 tds. Keenan "Ivory" Allen has an excellent match up this week vs Jacksonville, who is giving up 384 total yards a game.

Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas

And then there was one. Dallas is losing rb's at an alarming pace. DeMarco Murray is out this week (I know..I was just as shocked as you)...and back up rb Lance Dunbar is likely out as well. That leaves Randle with a waiver wire replacement's dream...a full workload. Philly, this week's opponent, is dead last in total defense. Dallas' high powered offense should be able to move the ball at home against the Eagles, and Randle should benefit from the increase in touches.

****Homer Alert****

If you're down Drew Brees, and you plan on starting Josh Freeman in his place, then you...my friend...are on homer alert. This week's alert is not necessarily about talent, Freeman has shown that he can be productive. The giant red flag in the room is the "unknown". Freeman is making his first start for Minnesota after being released by Tampa Bay. Prior to his release, Freeman was benched for his poor play. If there is a team that a qb would like a fresh start against, it would be the win less Giants...which makes this pick tempting. But hold your horses....you want to see if a change of scenery is all that was needed for Freeman. And until you physically see him start....don't believe the hype. This ain't the injury report, Minnesota can change their tune prior to kickoff....leaving you with a big goose egg at the most important position on your team.

Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck!!

follow @nic_torious   @D_Padilla2   @plcolter

Fantasy Football Focus: Week 6: Receivers

****Opening rant with New York Nick****

"The apprehension going into the third bye week has turned to manageable, to devastating for the owners of Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones. My first penalty flag goes to ESPN for giving us 15 minutes to find a replacement for Megatron. That’s like finding Superman after Krypton exploded. Impossible. That left us scrambling on Monday morning to find another wr, just in case he can’t suit up against the Browns. If you were lucky enough, most of us found a forgotten name that had a huge week which consisted of 9 catches and 142 yards. Hakeem Nicks. Nicks  found himself in most of the free agent pools early this year, but placing Nicks on your bench settled your stomach like an antacid after eating a 3 day old enchilada. Then we witnessed on Monday night Julio Jones limping off the field to the bench, his leg up on the table and the devastating voice of Mike Tirico saying “this is a cause for concern”.  Once again we scrambled Tuesday morning before the waiver wire exploded. Good luck and don’t forget, we are in this together."

What up football family?!? Welcome to week 6 of the fantasy football season. Injuries and bye weeks have us scrambling for wr's this week. If you're in need of a wr, then you're at the right place! The boys are back with that news you can use for week 6.

So LETS...GET...STARTED!!!

Vincent Brown: WR, San Diego

Vincent Brown is starting to emerge as a reliable weapon for Phillip Rivers, hauling in 7 receptions in back to back games. Last week in Oakland, Brown went for a buck seventeen. The Chargers have absolutely no running game to speak of, so it may take another 400 yard passing performance by Rivers to knock of the Colts. That should bode well for Brown.

****Big Mike's Match ups****

Alshon Jeffrey: WR, Chicago

Jeffrey went off on New Orleans for over 200 yards receiving last week. And he's no one week wonder. In fact, Jeffrey is averaging 7 catches for 125 yards his past three games. He should have no problem equaling those totals this week vs a Giants defense that's giving up just under 270 yards a game through the air.

Garrett Graham: TE, Houston

If you're looking to replace Gonzalez or Clay for Miami, then te Garrett Graham has a nice match up this week. Graham has been productive as the Texans back up te this season. This week he gets the start for injured Owen Daniels. The Rams rank in the bottom half of the league in pass defense, giving up over 255 yards a game.

****Going Deep with DP****

Justin Blackmon: WR, Jacksonville

Fresh off a four game suspension, Jaguars wr Justin Blackmon kicked off his 2013 season with 5 catches, 136 yards, and a td. He also faces Denver, which is good for two reasons. 1. The Broncos are dead last in pass defense, giving up a head shaking 347 yards a game. 2. Denver ranks first in scoring offense (46.1) while the Jags rank 31st in scoring defense (32.7). This means the Broncos should go up big in this one, allowing Jacksonville, and Blackmon, to rack up plenty of second half garbage stats.

Zac Stacy: RB, St. Louis

If you're in a deep league, and the above mentioned receivers are already snagged, then St. Louis rb Zac Stacey is worth a flex play look. Stacy is set to start for the Rams this week, and averaged over 5 yards per carry last week. He draws a Houston defense that's giving up 126 yards a game on the ground, 27th in the league.

****Homer Alert****

If you are an owner of Mr. Larry Fitzgerald, then you...my friend...are on homer alert. Arizona qb Carson Palmer has been brutal the past few weeks, and it's affecting Fitzgerald's numbers. Don't look for the Cardinals passing game to break out of it's funk this week vs San Francisco. The 49ers are only giving up 189 yards a game through the air, second in the league. More impressively, the 49ers have amassed those numbers against the likes of Aaron Rogers, Andrew Luck, and Russell Wilson. So um...Larry?...come take a seat by the coach this week.

Don't forget to check out Big Mike's College Picks this Saturday morning.

Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck!

follow @nic_torious @D_Padilla2 @MichaelJasso @plcolter

Kenny Britt....the tale of two receivers

Since being drafted by Tennessee in the first round of the 2009 draft, the Titans...and their fans have witnessed two Kenny Britt's. Both have been equally frustrating to watch.

Meet 2009 - 2012 Kenny Britt, talented receiver out of Rutgers. Tennessee's best friend on the field, and their worst nightmare off the field. In that time span, Britt had 19 headline grabbing tds...and 9 headline grabbing incidents with the law. It was size, speed, strength, and athletic ability that afforded Britt enough rope to never hang himself. In 2011, Britt was on pace to have an NFL first team season. He missed the rest of that season with a torn mcl and acl. At the end of last season, Britt vowed to come back a changed man.

Meet 2013 Kenny Britt. Rightfully applauded for having an injury...and jury free off season, Britt came into the 2013 season with his legal and knee issues behind him. The Titans were excited to have a healthy and focused Britt lead what was considered to be the best wide receiver corp Tennessee ever assembled.

Then the games started.

Britt has account for five total catches. Five. He's also accounted for more penalty yards than receiving yards. Britt is dropping passes and making mental mistakes...much to the chagrin of the Titans offense.  Tennessee desperately needs Britt to step his game up...like yesterday. The visiting...and undefeated Chiefs pay a visit to Nashville on Sunday, and back up qb Ryan Fitzpatrick will need all hands on deck...especially Kenny's.

Maybe there is a third Kenny Britt to emerge. One that can produce on the field while laying low off the field. He better emerge quick. He's got less than 12 games to appear.   follow @plcolter

Fantasy Football Focus: Week 5: Bye Weeks

***Opening rant with New York Nick***

"Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants. I have never said this before, but I think it might be time to reconsider starting Eli Manning in this second week of the bye. I understand how great you felt once your draft was over and your roster read, RG3 and Eli Manning. You thought your bye week was set, you thought. This year I won’t have to worry about finding a QB to hold down the fort and be stuck with likes of Josh Freeman, or even worse, Tony Romo (sorry, I couldn’t help the burn). But alas, the once epic maneuver has now brought you back to the place where you realize the life of a fantasy football owner is tougher than figuring out what medical plan on Obama Care to choose from. Sadly enough, Manning finally has his wr’s healthy and ready to go, but now he can’t seem to get it up. No pun intended. In this state of confusion and disappointment the best move will be picking up the QB who is playing against Giants, Mike Vick, now that’s ironic." - New York Nick

What up football family?!? Welcome to week five of the fantasy football season. With Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Washington on bye this week, a host of starting fantasy players will be on bye. No worries...the crew is back with that news you can use for week five.

Terrance Williams: WR, Dallas

The Denver Broncos and their high powered offense will invade Big D Sunday afternoon. That means there will be points a plenty...and that's a good thing for the rookie out of Baylor. Williams filled in for (once again) injured Miles Austin last week in San Diego, and put up 7 catches for 71 yards. Dallas will most certainly have to throw it...a lot...to hang with Peyton and company. Williams should get plenty of opportunities to better those numbers this week. And quiet as kept...Denver is 30th against the pass. The Broncos are giving up 316 yards a game though the air.

***Big Mike's Match Ups***

The key to waiver wire success is to study the match ups....it's all about the match ups. If you need a qb or te this week, here are a couple on your waiver wire with good ones. 

Brian Hoyer: QB, Cleveland

If you're down RG3 or Big Ben, then Hoyer is definitely worth a look this week. In 2 starts, Hoyer has put up 590 yards and 5 tds. Buffalo, this week's opponent, is giving up 277 yards a game through the air. But you better move fast, Hoyer plays Thursday.

Coby Fleener: TE, Indy

Cleener did work last week against Jacksonville, putting up 5/77/1. The one weakness of the Seahawks secondary is their tight end coverage. Last week, Houston's te's combined for 12 catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown. Cleener is a safe bet this week.

 ***Going Deep with DP***

Ya boy DP showing love to the 12-16 team leagues. Here's a one week gem worth a look this week.

Rashad Jennings: RB, Oakland

Darren McFadden is injured again y'all, so Jennings is up to bat. Last week, Jennings ripped the Redskins for 116 total yards. He also had 8 receptions for you ppr leagues. Jennings is set to carry the load again this week against the Chargers, who are giving up 120 yards a game on the ground. 

And keep an eye on Sam Bradford (QB, St. Louis) this week if your starter has a bum match up. Bradford gets the lowly Jags this week, who are giving up 387 yards a game so far. Don't expect the Rams to show any mercy, they're in the same division as Seattle and San Francisco. Bradford should have a huge day.

***Homer Alert*** 

If you are an owner of San Francisco qb Colin Kaepernick, then you my friend, are on homer alert. Kaepernick has come back to earth the last three weeks after his super human week 1 effort. He also has a brutal match up this week. The Houston Texans are number 1 against the pass...only giving up 141 yards a game. Most owners who drafted Kaepernick insured him with a solid back up. This may be the week to use him.

And be on the look out for "Big Mike's college picks of the week". Will post every Saturday morning prior to the opening kickoffs. 

Life is a sport...so always play to win. Good luck!

follow @nic_torious  @D_Padilla2 @MichaelJasso @plcolter

NFL Quarterly Report

We're at the quarter mark of the NFL season. Wow...time sure flies by huh? After four weeks, some interesting developments have taken place....

The Tale of Two Mannings:

Peyton Manning is undefeated, while little brother Eli is...well...defeated. Both Mannings are on pace to have historic seasons...and that's good and bad. Peyton is the unquestioned mvp if the votes were cast today. His Broncos are 4-0, and Denver is starting to take on that undefeated look. Eli's Giants are win less after four games. You can stick a fork in New York...they're done....and in serious danger of giving up on the season. If this trend continues...then you can bet it would make for an awkward holiday season. You know how kids can be..."Why uncle Eli can't win no games grandpa Archie? My daddy win all the time."

Week 4 Jim Mora Awards

"Playoffs?!?...don't talk to me about...playoffs...you kidding me?"

The now infamous words coined by then Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Mora. He was addressing a question from the media about his team's playoff chances after they just blew a game.

The YouTube clip should be playing on repeat at several NFC facilities this week. Every year it seems like a team that makes the playoffs the previous season falters the next. But so far in the NFC, this is starting to get ridiculous.

After four games, the six NFC playoff teams from a year ago (Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle, Green Bay, Minnesota, Washington) have a combined record of 10-13. Only Seattle (4-0) has a winning record. If you are a fan of an NFC team that's not on this list...and your team is even somewhat balling...then be encouraged.

Early AFC Showdown

There is a showdown scheduled to take place in the AFC this Sunday afternoon. The game has some major early season playoff implications.

New England vs Cincinnati? Good guess...but no. Baltimore vs Miami? nope! It's the Kansas City Chiefs vs the Tennessee Titans. The Chiefs and Titans combined for eight total wins a year ago. Coming into Sunday's match up, the teams boast a combined 7-1 record (and should be 8-0, but the Titans gave one away late). Both teams are winning with the same formula, taking care of the ball and forcing turnovers. The Titans have not committed a turnover this season...a franchise record. The Chiefs have been efficient as well.

The game has major playoff implications for two reasons...the conference and the divisions. For starters...Tennessee and Kansas City, even with their surprising starts, face uphill battles in winning their divisions. The Titans have the Colts and Texans to contend with. The Chiefs have the Broncos and Chargers to fend off. Both are realistically looking at wild card births, and with head to head match up the primary tie breaker in a playoff scenario, then you get the importance of this surprising week 5 showdown.

The other Payton

Don't look now, but New Orleans head coach Sean Payton has his Saints at 4-0. Considering the circumstances surrounding his suspension and return this season, it's gone relatively under the radar. The Saints offense is once again looking scary good with Payton back controlling the play calling. Seattle and San Francisco have stolen the headlines in the NFC thus far, and it's well deserved. But keep your eye on the Saints. They have a 3 1/2 game lead over Atlanta, and could steal home field advantage if the Falcons continue to falter. The Seahawks and 49ers have more to worry about than themselves now.

A great start to another great NFL season. We'll check back week 8 for our mid season awards.  follow @plcolter